Early and Modern Firearms (EMF), an importer and distributor, was founded in Los Angeles, CA in 1956. Early on they were known as E&M Co. Inc. In 1959, EMF acquired Great Western Arms Company, the manufacturer of the first reproduction of the famous Colt Model 1873 SAA. In 1971, EMF incorporated and Boyd Davis joined the company. When the strong dollar made it too costly to produce the Model 1873 in the U.S., EMF turned to Italian gun manufacturers for production. In 1980, EMF moved to Orange County, CA and Boyd Davis became President, and also co-founded and became President of Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) in 1981. Boyd Davis remained President of both EMF and SASS until his death in 2014. With the passing of their President and the increasing gun regulations (especially in California), EMF shareholders decided they were ready to close the doors. However, recognizing EMF’s contribution to and stability in the firearms industry, Alberto and Alessandro Pietta of F.LLI Pietta (Italy) stepped up to invest in EMF, with Debbie Sims, former Chief Operating Officer, stepping up as the new President/CEO. Since Pietta Firearms was and is EMF’s largest supplier, they are now majority owner of EMF and EMF has become the United States distribution and service center for Pietta.

EMF is Pietta's distribution center and distributes Pietta revolvers to Sports South, the country's oldest and largest firearm distributor, who then distributes to Midway USA and Others like Cabela's/Bass Pro Shops.  EMF also distributes to many other black powder revolver dealers throughout the country.